Habermas 2/11

The quote that I chose to elaborate on for this blog entry is on page 100 of Habermas. It states, “Modernity revolts against the normalizing functions of tradition; modernity lives on the experience of rebelling against all that is normative.” I think this quote provides an interesting definition summing up what modernity really is.  For something to be modern it must be different from what was once considered the norm.  In order for something to be modern it must be unique separating it from the non-modern.  The avant-garde is an example of how something can be reinvented in order to move towards modernity. Habermas says that, “The avant-garde must find a direction into which no one seems to have yet ventured.”  This is how one can move towards modernity.  When the concept of modernity first came about there were many forms of art, performance, architecture and ways of thinking that had not yet been explored.  As the world has become more of a modern place it has become more difficult to find new ways of expression that are considered to be modern.  Avant-garde ideas are harder to come upon as time goes by and society progresses.